Lar's Republic is not just the go-to barber shop of PBA players but coaches like Phoenix mentor Ariel Vanguardia as well, who enjoys the cozier feel of the new shop. Omar Belo

THE small shop that gives the freshest looks to some of the top basketball players in the country just got a fresh makeover.

It’s such an impressive transformation that even gets seasoned PBA pros like Blackwater guard Denok Miranda, one who has seen up close some jaw-dropping feats on the basketball court, stunned soon as he walked in the new home of his go-to barber shop, Lar’s Republic.

“Ang ganda, paps,” the long-time regular client, his two sons in tow, said to the barber fondly called Lars.

One who’s been to Lars’ old place will surely have the same eyes-wide-open reaction, as the small, crampy room flocked by some of the tallest people in the land just got a lot homier. Those new to the place won’t feel like they’re in a barber shop at all, even with a few familiar sights like the barber’s pole out front and the three barber chairs in front of three huge mirrors.

“Dinesign ko talaga na hindi sya mukhang barber shop, yung bahay ang dating,” said Lars, who’s as detail-oriented with the choice of floor tiles for the entrance area or the wooden bench in the lobby as he is with the clean cuts he’s been known for not just among PBA players but fans as well.

Minutes after Miranda came in, Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia along with forward Marvin Hayes, one of Lars’ earliest clients, arrived and then came the bantering, a fixture inside the shop considered neutral grounds where opponents on the basketball court turn into pals ribbing at each other, no-holds barred.

The favorite barber of some of the biggest PBA stars like Marcio Lassiter, Paul Lee, JC Intal, Chris Banchero, among others has also expanded his reach beyond taking on coaches in his clientele and building a cozier shop. Lars now has two 'guest barbers' helping him out on a part-time basis, handling the growing number of walk-ins from Saturdays to Tuesdays.

“Parang guest barbers ko, dumikit sa akin, kumukuha ng style ko paggupit. Tine-train ko rin,” he said, following through on his plan to share what he knows to aspiring barbers.

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Lars points out, though, that he’s not expanding his shop or sharing his expertise for fame in what’s quickly becoming a competitive business in the metropolis. His purpose is a lot more personal, and purpose-driven.

For one, he wants to bring haircuts back to basics. More than giving clients the trendy cuts, he gives a more personal touch. No fuss, no frills, all fresh.

Lars also displays a unique marketing strategy: He chooses to go organic rather than making noise on digital platforms, the path other barbers choose. His main selling point is the quality of his cuts and the satisfaction of his growing number of clients is just the word-of-mouth marketing he needs.

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“Oo dumami, mga UAAP, NCAA, kahit high school players, La Salle Zobel, andami kong bago. Word of mouth, organic, mga walking billboards,” he said, pointing to sons of PBA players who bring in their friends to add to the many new citizens of Lar’s Republic.

The growing number of clients, walk-ins and regulars from here and abroad, also takes a toll on his body, especially since he cuts solo for most days of the week, taking in at least 10 clients daily. The man, though, won’t take it any other way, ‘kayod kalabaw’ as he puts it to secure his future.